Thailand has seen a sharp rise in road accidents during the Songkran holiday, with more than 1,200 crashes reported in just the first four days of the travel-heavy period.
According to the Road Safety Operation Centre, a total of 1,266 accidents were recorded between Friday and Tuesday. These incidents resulted in 1,244 injuries and 169 deaths. On Monday alone, there were 241 accidents, leading to 34 deaths and 249 injuries.
The Songkran festival, celebrated with nationwide travel and water festivities, often leads to higher traffic volumes and increased risk on the roads. Despite a slight drop in the number of accidents compared to last year, safety officials say the number of injuries and deaths remains a major concern.
Compared to the same period in 2024, fatalities are down by 18%, with 138 deaths recorded at that time. Still, the dangers of holiday travel are evident.
Authorities say the leading cause of accidents was speeding, which accounted for 44% of crashes. Drunk driving followed, responsible for 25%. Motorcycles were involved in 77% of all accidents, underscoring ongoing road safety challenges.
The government’s campaign to promote safe driving during the Songkran holiday continues, as officials urge drivers to be cautious and follow traffic laws.
